diff --git a/bootsect.ld b/bootsect.ld
index a215f64..0c9b2a4 100644
--- a/bootsect.ld
+++ b/bootsect.ld
@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@ SECTIONS {
         * (.bss)
     }
 
-    .data : {
+    .data (NOLOAD) : {
         *(.data)
     }
 
diff --git a/doscom.ld b/doscom.ld
index d63889a..b62d737 100644
--- a/doscom.ld
+++ b/doscom.ld
@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@ SECTIONS {
         * (.bss)
     }
 
-    .data : {
+    .data (NOLOAD) : {
         *(.data)
     }
 }
diff --git a/flat0600.ld b/flat0600.ld
index 1deec9e..c89baca 100644
--- a/flat0600.ld
+++ b/flat0600.ld
@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@ SECTIONS {
         * (.bss)
     }
 
-    .data : {
+    .data (NOLOAD) : {
         *(.data)
     }
 }
diff --git a/flat1000.ld b/flat1000.ld
index cfd4329..2f7c8d4 100644
--- a/flat1000.ld
+++ b/flat1000.ld
@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@ SECTIONS {
         * (.bss)
     }
 
-    .data : {
+    .data (NOLOAD) : {
         *(.data)
     }
 }